Lessons Learned

I’ve been thinking a lot about the craft of writing lately – with the understanding that there is so much to learn. I thought I’d share here, over the next couple months, occasional thoughts – stuff I’ve learned, am working on or have yet to fully grasp.

Today – I’ll start at the beginning with what I think were my first lessons and ones I try to hang on to… Daily.

Accept help. I find this one very hard. For some odd reason I feel there is strength in self-sufficiency – and I know that’s wrong thinking. I learned this lesson, following an injury in 2009, but it’s amazing how quickly I forget it and try to grumble on alone. I have found my friends and family love to help me — editing, cooking, relaxing, cleaning (okay, no one is really jumping at that one), and brainstorming. In fact, I had a writing problem the other day and reached out to two friends on Facebook and the brainstorming session was extraordinary.

So here’s the thought: As a writer there are things you do alone – without     doubt – but there are also things that benefit from the input of friends, family, critique partners and colleagues. So ask and accept the help!

Run. I am little biased on this one. I get my best ideas when running. But I think this really comes down to getting some exercise. It helps release frustration and untangles stymied characters if nothing else.


Write. Write. This hit me hard after Dear Mr. Knightley was contracted. There were no expectations and no deadline before that and now there are. But whether or not those exist, daily writing (or as often as you can) trains you in the craft. Writers write, whether they feel the muse or not.


Read. I write better when I stay close to good books and well-written ideas. Blogs, books, magazines, and newspapers – simply keep reading. And please, in the comments, share great books. I’m always looking for the next great read!


Study the Craft. I continually read articles about writing, characters, story construction, plot… and I always learn something new. There are so many blogs and books out there. Try checking out Writing 21st Century Fiction by Donald Maass and Write Your Novel from the Middle by James Scott Bell.


Enjoy yourself. Writing is tremendous fun and, while it is work too, I recommend striving to enjoy the journey.


Pray. It’s so easy to get caught up in our frenetic lives and the stories we want to write, but God put this desire and the ability to write within us. He’s the creator and author of it all – so go to him with all its concerns.

Thanks for reading. I don’t know if any of this was helpful, but getting such reminders helps me. I forget the importance stuff quite quickly when faced with the seemingly urgent. Please leave a comment and let me know what great tips on writing or life you’d like to share.

Enjoy the day!